Issa Tounkara, captain of the Malian team that were finalists in the last U17 Africa Cup of Nations, is expected to join Villarreal. He had previously been approached by several clubs, including Olympique Lyonnais, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, and Anderlecht. According to sports director Balla Sanogo, Villarreal is a major European club where Tounkara can progress his career, adding that the presence of other Malian players there creates an environment similar to a family.